May 2012

May 12, 2012

After finding a new restaurant that we intended to check out today closed, a friend and I ambled along to Kalyani Nagar to look at a much reviewed place The Flour Works.

Since there were no signs to help us find it, and without an address, we drove up and down several tree lined lanes finally stumbling upon it close to the Joggers park. With a large red and gold signboard it looked, from the outside, like a chinese noodle factory.

Inside was cool and inviting with a high ceiling, if a bit messy in style.In fact it had no style at all. Strange white lace patterned curtains with tie backs. A forest of different wood tones. Teak chairs, dark wood panelling and pine tables. The decor was, in short, indifferent. The tables were set with maroon runners and the glassware was grubby.

It took some time for a waiter to present himself at our table . The menu seemed to consist of mostly breakfast and brunch items, eggs, porridge, waffles and sandwiches. Since it was lunchtime we thought we would take the waiters suggestion and order from the Mains .

We ordered a cooling drink each as it was a hot day. Mine was a watermelon, mint and cranberry juice attractively named Frosted and my friend chose another, equally delightfully named,Snow Lemonade.

Fifteen minutes later the lemonade arrived and after an interval of another five minutes the watermelon juice was presented.I liked the waternelon juice which was cool and fresh, with the cranberry giving it a bit of a tang.

We then waited a further 25 minutes for our main course to turn up.

First came the chicken and bean chili topped with grated cheese accompanied by slices of garlic bread. After a break of another ten minutes came the pan fried Basa with a lemon caper sauce along with a cauliflower puree and green beans.

Neither was plated very appetisingly. The fish was underdone and not very fresh though the sauce was piquant. The beans were raw and too mature and woody.The one saving grace was the cauliflower puree which was fluffy and flavourful.

The chicken bean chili was tasty and hot though nothing special.

Quantities were painfully small. This main course is meant to be fattened with a salad, an appetizer and a dessert. Do NOT expect to share it amongst two people.

The service was tired and unenthusiastic and we seemed to be eating in relay, first one then the next.

All said and done a disappointing meal and overpriced too...a cold drink and a main course came to Rs 1100 for two people.

Perhaps The Flour Works would be more rewarding to those who stick to its breakfast and sandwich menu ?